Tar Sands Pipeline opponents gather in Monument Square

Protester: 'we're in the fight of our lives to stop climate change'

UPDATED 6:24 AM EST Jan 27, 2013

PORTLAND, Maine -

Opponents of the Tar Sands Pipeline gathered in Portland's Monument Square for a march and rally that was billed as the largest in the Northeast.

Saturday’s rally was one of many that took place this week in opposition to the pipeline that will pump oil from Canada to Portland. Protesters are worried that Portland-Montreal Pipe Line will use a 236-mile-long pipeline to carry tar sands oil across Canada, Maine and New England.

"The history of disastrous tar sands pipeline spills and escalating weather disasters from fossil fuel-driven climate change make the flow of tar sands oil especially risky," said Judy Berk, spokeswoman for the Natural Resources Council of Maine.

Protester Chuck Piper said those with objections had to take a stand.

“Right now we’re in the fight of our lives to stop climate change,” Piper said. “And if we add up all this stuff, this additional Co2, it will take thousands of years for that Co2 to clear the atmosphere. “

However, in a statement issued Saturday, Ted O'Meara, a spokesman for PMPL, said the company is "concerned by the misinformation repeatedly presented by special interest groups and organizations."

PMPL does not have "an active project to reverse the flow of our pipeline," O'Meara said. He added that the company "will carefully assess opportunities if and when they arise."

Among those expected to speak at the rally are Portland Mayor Michael Brennan and Unity College President Stephen Mulkey.

Berk said the pipeline could run through the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec as well as Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine before ending at Portland Harbor.

Officials with the New England Petroleum Council said tar sands oil is no more dangerous than conventional crude oil.

Opponents planed to march from Monument Square to the Maine State Pier, where the rally will be held.

The Portland City Council is considering a resolution that would keep the city from using fuel made from tar sands oil in city-owned vehicles and buildings.

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